Reimbursing for Party Damage

At a recent party, a friend spilled red wine on my beige sofa slipcover. She apologized but never offered to pay for the damage. The dry-cleaning bill is sizable. I don't want to start a fight, but shouldn't she pay up?

Absolutely! But she didn't -- and it sounds like she's not going to. Here's what I'd do: The next time you see her, give her one more chance to do the right thing by exclaiming how relieved you are that the stain finally came out -- albeit with the dry cleaner's help. Still no offer to reimburse? If you value her friendship, drop the issue. Pressing harder will only make for an awkward situation. Take her apology as sincere and try to see the silver lining -- your couch has never looked so clean, right?